Justice Department Pushes Law Enforcement on ADA Compliance

Federal officials are highlighting the responsibilities of everyone from police to courts and attorneys in ensuring that people with developmental disabilities are treated fairly. The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against those with disabilities during interactions with the criminal justice system, according to new guidance from the U.S. Department of Justice. “Pursuant to the ADA, state and local government criminal justice entities — including police, courts, prosecutors, public defense attorneys, jails, juvenile justice and corrections agencies — must ensure that people with mental health disabilities or (intellectual and developmental disabilities) are treated equally in the criminal justice system and afford them equal opportunity to benefit from safe, inclusive communities,” the federal agency said.